Exactly how bad is getting an INAD return on metrics?

[oddsandendsshop]

Hi all,

I made a sale the other day on a pair of jeans and buyer said they didn't fit-- alright, not a big deal, told buyer to start a return.

The thing is the buyer filed the reason as INAD (I accept returns with buyer paying return shipping.)

A am I going to be charged on the return shipping now? B how badly will an INAD affect my sales metrics? I'm having a killer year and would hate for that to end. C. Is there a way I can appeal? I'm fine issuing buyer a refund, not trying to weasel out of that, but I don't want my metrics dinged nor to cover return shipping when that wasn't the term of the listing.

[ebooksdiva]

Yes you're going to pay for return shipping. Buyer paid return shipping is for remorse returns. 
I don't know how badly it will affect your service metrics. If it's the only one it shouldn't be too bad, but if you have others it may be a problem.

You can appeal, but it may not end the way you like.

Money back Guarantee trumps your buyer pays return shipping. Unfortunately your metrics will get a "ding" and you will cover return shipping.

Seller pays return shipping on

Not as described 

Missing parts and pieces 

Damaged 

Defective

Received wrong item.

Buyer pays return shipping on 

Ordered by mistake 

Changed my mind

Found cheaper elsewhere 

Doesn't fit 

don't like it. 

[wastingtime101]

Answering the service metrics question - it will basically have zero impact if it's your only one.

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/selling-policies/service-metrics-policy?id=4769

A Very High rating won't affect your account unless it involves at least 10 reports/requests with 10 unique buyers in the same category.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

If you resolve the problem without Ebay intervening, it will not affect your seller level. This is where the surcharges and restrictions come in.

As for your Service Metrics the effect is vague

https://www.ebay.com/sh/performance/service-metrics

[ittybitnot]

The thing is the buyer filed the reason as INAD (I accept returns with buyer paying return shipping.)

@oddsandendsshop 

Your "buyer" just chose a reason from the drop down menu that would make sure YOU paid for return shipping.  It is done all the time here.  The "buyer pays for return shipping" is only for remorse related returns as another poster outlined.  

The buyer doesn't want to pay, chooses a 'not as described reason', and there you go.....They will never be questioned, and whatever reason the buyer chooses now becomes fact, even if they are lying.  Now you get to pay for return shipping to MAYBE get your item back.  What is in the parcel will won't matter, and has not for over a decade.